OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 15, 2009Applications for the 2009-2010Independent Scholarship Fund(ISF) are now available. K-12 students residing in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and wishing to attend private or parochial schools are eligible to apply for need or merit-based tuition assistance of up to $1500 per year. Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by May 1, 2009 for consideration. Letters of notification will be mailed in June.

Last year, the ISF, sponsored by the Independent Institute, awarded more than $315,000 to assist 212 East Bay students. With the help of generous donations from foundations, individuals, community organizations, and corporations, the ISF has awarded $2.4 million since its inception in 1999.

Please contact ISF Administrator Joseph Asbell at 510-632-1366x144 to find out more or to contribute to the fund.